Sligo 2016 Centenary Events

The programme for Sligo Centenary 2016 sets out an impressive list of events that will take place throughout Sligo over the course of the year to commemorate the Easter Rising and the men and women who took part in it.

Engage with Sligo Diaspora and Sligo Citizens Globally to research their Sligo roots. Work with Co Sligo Heritage and Genealogy Society and The Irish Family History Foundation globally to help people research their Sligo roots. This will complement the 1916 Ancestry Project running in primary and post-primary schools. Sligo Library service will launch digital record of Sligo Workhouse Records from 1840s–1850s.

14th January - 31st December

Lighting Sligo and Beyond

Sligo 2016: Lighting Sligo and Beyond: This symbolic action will ask us to remember, reflect and re-imagine during 2016 as we look back at 1916. The Sligo 2016 Flame will be lit in City Hall Sligo at 19.16 hours, 14th January 2016. This flame will stay lit for the year and will be displayed around Sligo during key events/ ceremonies. The Sligo/ Irish Diaspora abroad will light a candle at the same time and post images online in a specially created forum. The event will be replicated on Saturday 31 December 2016 encouraging people to connect and reflect on the year just finished.

22nd February

Paths To Freedom

Paths To Freedom: A series of lectures on the history of Ireland in 1916.

Conairí Go Saoirse: Sraith léachtaí ar stair na hÉireann in 1916.

Date: Monday, 22nd February

Time: 7pm - 9pm

Location: Sligo Central Library, Stephen Street, Sligo.

Contact: 071 911721 or 071 911675

Speakers: Myles Dungan, Maurice O’Keeffe

1st March - 31st March

Irish Festival in Sligo libraries

Irish Festival in Sligo libraries during Seachtain na Gaeilge: Exploration of the role of the Gaelic League in Sligo during 1916.

Proclamation Day: Sligo Education Centre series of competitions and activities culminating in a series of exhibitions highlighting work undertaken by primary and post primary students in County Sligo.

24th April

Formal Civic Reception

Formal Civic Reception on 24th April 2016: This will include a re- enactment of the reading of the Proclamation. The unveiling of a specially commissioned memorial to Sligo's participants in Easter 1916.

Invitations to a civic reception will be issued to all known Sligo families connected to 1916. Presentation to relatives of those participants from Sligo in the Rising.